Bolivar: the boldest of Cuban cigar brands

Inspired by the life and values of Simón Bolívar, Bolivar cigars reveal a strong personality and reflect the craftsmanship, consistency, and integrity of Cuban tobacco artisans. They are thus among the most powerful and boldest habanos on the island. Classified by Habanos S.A. among the so-called “high-value” brands, Bolivar benefits from wide distribution, a diverse portfolio, and a strong presence in Habanos special releases, as shown by the recent launch of the LCDH New Gold Medal Edition. With more than 120 years of history behind them, these cigars are steeped in history and tradition.

Bolivar's early years

The birth of a giant

Thanks to Cifuentes' business acumen and the production quality of the craftsmen at the Partagás factory, Bolivar would quickly establish itself as one of the most renowned Cuban cigar brands on the market, especially among British aficionados. Its acquisition in 1954, coupled with that of La Gloria Cubana, allowed Cifuentes y Compañía to become the second-largest cigar export company in Cuba, behind Menendez, Garcia y Co. It then accounted for 25% of the Cuban market.

Like many Cuban cigar brands, Bolivar was nationalized after the Cuban Revolution. Its production continued uninterrupted under the direction of Cubatabaco, the Cuban state company responsible for the production and marketing of habanos. The quality and consistency of its cigars allowed the brand to maintain its reputation after the change in ownership. For their part, the Cifuentes family went into exile in the Dominican Republic in order to continue their business.

In 1978, after an interruption of nearly 17 years, Ramón Cifuentes licensed the Partagás and Bolivar brands to the General Cigar Company. The latter then relaunched these brands for the American market. The new Bolivar had a Dominican filler with smooth notes and lacked both the body and the flavors of the authentic Cuban Bolivar. This blend was completely revised in 2005 to better reflect the strength of the original cigar. It is now made with a San Augustin Honduran wrapper leaf and a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos.

The distinctive character of Bolivar cigars

Bolivar cigars embody the very essence of Cuban quality and enjoy a well-deserved worldwide reputation. Rolled by hand by skilled and highly qualified master torcedores, they reflect the authenticity and tradition of the Cuban cigar. The tobaccos used in their production are rigorously selected and come from the finest plantations in the Vuelta Abajo. It is this exceptional consistency in tobacco quality and rolling that sets Bolivar cigars apart. The brand is thus admired for its commitment to excellence and offers a classic smoking experience for all lovers of Cuban cigars.

However, it should be noted that these cigars are not intended for novices. Bolivar is indeed renowned for being one of the fullest-bodied and most complex brands in the Habanos S.A catalog. This strength and aromatic richness are the result of a generous use of ligero leaves in the filler blend. Found at the top of the plant, these leaves are harvested last by the vegueros and benefit from additional exposure to the sun. They thus absorb more nutrients and contain a high concentration of oils, making it possible to produce increasingly full-bodied and bold aromas. This is also what gives Bolivar cigars their characteristic spicy flavor.

Their power and expressive character could therefore overwhelm inexperienced palates. On the other hand, true connoisseurs will only succumb to its rich and deep flavors of wood, spice, and earth.

The Bolivar cigar range

Bolivar has a very diverse portfolio. With more than thirty Regional Editions, it is one of the Cuban cigar brands most often chosen for these exclusive releases. In 2013, the Bolivar Libertador, which was originally a Regional Edition for France, was also turned into regular production HABANO & ALMA Exclusivo. In addition to these many Regional Editions, Bolivar was selected to produce 4 Limited Editions: Petit Belicosos Edición Limitada (2009), Super Coronas Edición Limitada (2014), Soberanos Edición Limitada (2018) and Regentes Edición Limitada (2021). It is thus Habanos' “portfolio brand” with the largest number of Limited Editions to its name. Its lineup also includes a few Special Editions such as the 115 Aniversario Humidor (2017) and the Belicosos Finos Reserva Cosecha 2016 (2020).

In 2002, two years after Altadis acquired 50% of Habanos, a number of changes were introduced in the cigar factories. One of these changes was the creation of two distinct brand categories: handmade cigar brands on one side and machine-made cigar brands on the other. Bolivar, which had been known for producing both types of cigars, saw its machine-made cigar production significantly reduced, with only 1 cigarillo remaining, the Chicos.

The brand’s regular production consists of 7 vitolas:

• Belicosos Finos (52 × 140 mm)
• Bolivar Tubos No. 2 (42 x 129 mm)
• Coronas Junior (42 x 110 mm)
• Libertador (54 x 164 mm)
• New Gold Medal (48 x 165 mm)
• Petit Coronas (42 x 129 mm)
• Royal Coronas (50 × 124 mm)

Today, Partagas remains the parent house of Bolivar, but some vitolas are made in other factories. The brand continues to be regarded as one of the fullest-bodied and boldest on the island and remains the preferred choice of true connoisseurs. More than just cigars, Bolivar is an invitation to explore the depth and richness of Cuban tobacco through an incomparable sensory journey. They embody tradition, craftsmanship, and passion for tobacco, and stand as proof of unmatched quality and consistency. An intense, rich, and complex experience that leaves an indelible mark on all those privileged enough to discover them.

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